Joe Kinnear is not really expecting to have any of his injured players back for the Hull City game on Saturday, and only Sebastien Bassong will be back, after he has served his one match ban for being sent off last Friday.
Sebastien Bassong – during the game at Wigan on Friday
But of all the players missing yesterday Seba is probably the one player we’d like back most of all, because his absence was so obviously missed yesterday in our defense.
Remember at Stamford Bridge against the top Chelsea side, Bassong was little short of magnificent alongside Argentine Fabricio Coloccini, so he’s very quickly become a big player for the Magpies.
The question with Bassong is just how good can the lad become, because his displays for us this season have been little short of astonishing.
One way of getting some of our confidence and dignity back next Saturday at Hull, following yesterday’s defeat is to have a clean sheet.
It looks like young David Edgar could miss out since Joe will probably move Stephen Taylor to right back and play Charles N’Zogbia at left back.
But Joe also has the option of playing David at left back where he played in the match against Man United almost two years ago, and also scored a goal.
That would allow Joe to have Charles up front, where he is of much more danger to the opposition, and that may be the option that Kinnear will prefer, because there’s little doubt David had quite a solid game and deserves another chance to start a game.
Joe had hoped to have Oba Martins back in his squad but the striker’s groin problem will keep him out for another couple of weeks.
And Habib Beye’s knee injury will likely keep him out for another 3 weeks, although there may be a chance that the knee is just badly bruised, and we may have some better news on Habib once the swelling has come down a bit – hope so anyway.
Mark Viduka is also out – again – after he limped off at Wigan and is out for 3 weeks, and can probably kiss goodbye to any extension of his contract, because he’s just never fit, unfortunately.
Kinnear told the Shileds Gazette this morning:
“Beye’s on crutches at the moment. You’d think he’s going to be at least three weeks.”
“Viduka’s got a torn groin muscle, and I’d think at least three weeks as well.“
“Oba Martins will be at least two weeks minimum, but Bassong’s free from suspension. He’s the only one.”
Bassong can make all the difference on Saturday, in a game we must be in with a great chance of winning at the first attempt.
That would be good, very good.
Comments very welcome.
247 comments so far
Toon1978
Dec 29, 2008 at 4:43 PM
Comment #1ED
You say only Bassong but i believe IF BASSONG had of been playing yesterday Liverpool would not have scored 5 goal, granted we still would of getting beat but not by that score line.
toonoholic
Dec 29, 2008 at 4:44 PM
Comment #2why arent we trying tozer or kadar or ranger .
forget that why not lualua or carroll ?
if these kids dont get a chance now, when would they ?
Toon1978
Dec 29, 2008 at 4:46 PM
Comment #3toonoholic
Excellent question, i would try Kadar and Ranget but i believe Tozer has a little way to go as yet. Carrol is nearly there anywhere as is Lua Lua.
Spyro
Dec 29, 2008 at 4:51 PM
Comment #4We should also have Enrique and Martins back. If that is the case i will be very ocnfident of an away win against The Tigers.
I would like to see the following formation.
————————Given———————–
Taylor———Colo———-Seb———–Jose
—————-Geremi—–Guthrie—————
Lua Lua—————————————Duff
—————–Ameobi——Martins————
Jonas needs a rest and Ameobi and Martins partnership is better than Martins and Owen imo.
Toon1978
Dec 29, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Comment #5Spyro i would agree with most of that line up but i would drop Ameobi a give Ranger a start.
Dan157
Dec 29, 2008 at 4:59 PM
Comment #6Spyro
Did Enrique not come off injured against Liverpool. In fact i think he started the game injured. You reckon he will be fit enough in 5 days time. If not i would put Edgar in at left back. He did well there a few years ago against Man Utd.
Antti
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:00 PM
Comment #7Spyro
“Oba Martins will be at least two weeks minimum”
Dan157
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:01 PM
Comment #8I agree with resting Butt like and putting Geremi in. His passing has been awful the last 2 games.
Spyro
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:02 PM
Comment #9Toon1978
I would have him on the bench. As a striker, i don’t really know if he is ready for the rough and tumble of Hull City. Never know though, i reckon Kazenga is.
North Atlantic Magpie
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:03 PM
Comment #10With Taylor in defence there is panic. I would rather use Edgar at right back.
Spyro
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:04 PM
Comment #11Antti
oh fair enough. I would pair Ameobi with Owen then…Even though the two offer no pace whatsoever.
Dan
Yeah if he isn’t ready then play Edgar there…Anything is better than Zoggy there for 90mins.
Dan157
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:04 PM
Comment #12NZogbia probably does’nt deserve to be dropped instead of Duff. Plus if Owen is fit he will doubtless play. Lua Lua should be starting games gby now though. Kinnear says we need a box to box midfielder well i Lua Lua is that sort of player.
Toon1978
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:06 PM
Comment #13Spyro
Definitely LUA LUA i have seen him a few times playing for the reserves but he was unfortunate yesterday trying to prove himself when we are getting smashed to bits. Yes the Hull game would be ideal for some of our youngsters but whether JFK has the same idea is another thing i think he will go all out with the strongest team possible to try and win something.
Dan157
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:06 PM
Comment #14Spyro
Your right Nzogbia is frightning at left back. Valencia tormented us on boxing day cos of him being played there.
Spyro
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:08 PM
Comment #15Dan
I honestly think Zoggy has been poor the last two games. I dont agree with Owen definitely playing. Like an other player, he should be dropped when he has a few bad games.
Tom_Toon
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:08 PM
Comment #16Apparently Bassong is banned for another 2 games according to the official website.
Dan157
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:08 PM
Comment #17Do any of you lot think that we will have any new faces by the West Ham game. Jan 10th i think it is. Would be ideal to get them in before the next Prem fixture.
Dan157
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Comment #18Bassong could’nt of got a 3 match ban. That’s for like violent conduct or something. He only tugged him outside the box.
Spyro
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Comment #19Dan
That is exactly what i thought. I thought stopping a goal scoring opportunity was only a one match ban. It is a bad shame if it does turn out to be a three match ban.
DanToon
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Comment #20Stright Red = 3 Match Ban!
KK FOREVER (Ross)
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Comment #21i was under the impression a straight red was 1 match ban for anything other than violent conduct, which is 3..such as kicking out at a player, raising your hand to his face etc. Gutted if bassong is out for 3 games though!
will be interesting to see how ricardo fuller is dealt with by the FA. slapping your club captain surely cant go down too well.
Toon1978
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Comment #22We have also been linked with a young kid called Sissoko another French starlet along with Sakho but whether we can get these kids is another question.
Spyro
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:13 PM
Comment #23Dan
No i don’t, i don’t expect any new arrivals until near the end of the window. I only expect around two new faces coming in if i am honest.
Dan157
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:15 PM
Comment #24Do we not have the right to appeal over Bassong like we did with Beye when he got a straight red for tacklin the last man. Anyone watching it can see that the foul happened outside the box and Heskey waited to go down in the penalty area. You can even see the linesman flagging for a free kick.
Dan157
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:18 PM
Comment #25If it’s true i cant believe that Bassong is suspended for three games and yet Cattermole is free to play despite taking out two of our players in the last 2 games.
Spyro
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:19 PM
Comment #26Dan
No i don’t think we can appeal. Whether it was in or outside the box the ref had the right (by the book) to send him off as Bassong was the last man.
Toon1978
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Comment #27Spyro
We are desperate for new blood mate and 2 would do nothing for us. I believe anything less then 5 new players will be disastrous and will lead to relegation. A couple of youngsters like Sakho and Sissoko along with maybe Warnock or Insua, and a creative midfielder and another striker would be the minimum. If Ashley does not realise this he will see his club fall to the depths of the fizzy pop league therefore losing massive amounts and the price of his club so its in his best interest to invest in the club.
Dan157
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:21 PM
Comment #28Is anyone going to miss Alan Oliver. Apparently he’s retired now. I’d imagine Lee Ryder will get promoted.
Ericles
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:24 PM
Comment #29I feel the transfer window is to throw some players out of to be honest! We cannot though. I do not think many will want to come here but loans may be a good idea. We need positional back-up and experience to bring on the young ones. Move your Butt out of the way and get goin’ Owen.
Spyro
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:25 PM
Comment #30Toon1978
I don’t even think we will be relegated if we get no players at all in the transfer window. However, it will be the difference between a top 10 finish and a top 17 finish. If you are hoping for 5 then you will be disappointed. The only team to sign 5 or more players in January will be City. Simply because the word ‘sustainability’ is not part of their vocabulary and price is no object to them. We need a first team DM and the other signings should be players to add depth.
Colo
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:25 PM
Comment #31Our injuries are getting worse we need to bring in at least 6 players in Jan preferably 10.
Miguel Veloso is a must in Jan.
Toon1978
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:26 PM
Comment #32Just read a quote from JFK saying he is looking for players who can go straight into the first team so Sakho and Sissoko might not be on his wish list but more so on Wise’s wish list.
David Elliston
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:29 PM
Comment #33We should win next four games. Why because we recieved one battering has the hope dropped. Seriously it means more players should be signed and having bassong is great. He is our best player with col. If we have them fans believe we can keep clean sheet and this means midfield and rest of team feel confident about going forward and winning games. Were back now and sell taylor to arsenal. 10 million would be great. Sakho then in plus one other
KK FOREVER (Ross)
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:31 PM
Comment #34we need a new DM who can come into the first time immediatly. another LB for backup/competition with enrique is needed, another versatile defender who could play aross the back four would be brilliant.
an AM is on my wishlist, obviously its a serious doubt but i think we lack creativity. we cant expect jonas to do absolutly everything. he’s spiderman, not superman.
KK FOREVER (Ross)
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:32 PM
Comment #35first team, not time, naturally. thats me being an idiot.
Toon1978
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:36 PM
Comment #36Spyro
I think we are more desperate for a creative midfielder as if push comes to shove we can play Colocinni in a defensive midfield role and place Taylor alongside Bassong. Apart from that we also have Butt.
Ericles
Dec 29, 2008 at 5:45 PM
Comment #37Win next four games? With luck we should win or draw next seven. What is wrong with a non-losing streak and start of an FA cup run? A lot depends on who comes in. I am resigned to losing Owen – anyway the bloke is too coy for me, he plays his cards too close to his chest for my liking. He DOES OWE NUFC and the FANS something whether he likes it or not. It is certainly not peeing in the wind until he can walk away on a Bosman!
geordie bulldog
Dec 29, 2008 at 6:33 PM
Comment #38why does owen owe us anything
if i was in his position i wouldnt stay at a team who have no ambition and are run like a pub team
our team has very little pace without oba and zog on the wing we have no movement what so ever from the two centre midfielders either one stays back and the other pushes forward but our two just stand next to each other on the half way line never once seen our two centre mid run past the strikers
and for people to think we could sign veloso is hilarious
was this guy not touted this season for 15 – 20 million to man utd why would a player of this calibre leave a champion league side for a very very poor bottom half of the prem league side who with kinnear in charge will go no where
Turkish Magpie
Dec 29, 2008 at 6:33 PM
Comment #39one hope for the Hull game is any new signings as we’d be aloud, the Robinho transfer was started and finished within 5hours and he played 2 days later, high hopes!
beyethegreat
Dec 29, 2008 at 6:34 PM
Comment #40i think lua lua needs to be played more
not every game but a few hear and there
till he gets a bit of experience
and improves all aspects of his game
he looked good yesterday and in the long term could be that little bit of magic we need
i think he is a good player
though i will get shot down for this
there seemed to be something missing
it is worth mentioning though that i have every faith in him he seemed a good player